Is Willful Legit? Comparing 6 Online Will Platforms
Yes. Willful is a legitimate and trustworthy startup founded in 2017, similar to LegalDeeds which was founded in 1999. Both platforms sell legal wills and Power of Attorney documents online.
We understand it can be daunting to trust an online platform with something as important as estate planning. But we want to assure Canadians that creating a will online is a safe and valid option. Online wills are recognized as legal documents in Canada, provided they meet legal requirements like having two people witness the signing.
What makes a will legally binding?
Online wills have the same criteria as wills written by a lawyer:
- The will is for an adult of sound mind
- The will is signed with wet ink (a pen)
- The signing is witnessed by two adults
When to consult an estate lawyer instead of buying a will online?
Some situations are too complicated to write a will online. The most common reason for a will to need a lawyer is if you need to consider multiple countries' laws. Anyone who owns real estate in another country should consider contacting an estate lawyer.
That being said, most Canadians can safely write their will online. Online will platforms are advanced and consider your unique situation.
All Online Will Platforms in Canada (2023)
LegalDeeds (Most Popular)
Founded in 1999, LegalDeeds is Canada's first and most popular online legal document provider.
LegalDeeds lets you preview your legal documents before paying and without making an account. All orders come with a 30-day refund guarantee and free changes.
LegalDeeds is family owned and operated. The company cares a lot about helping Canadians save money. You can frequently email their customer service on weekends and get a response within minutes.
Availability: All Canadian provinces and territories.
Offers: Last Will and Testament, Financial Power of Attorney, Health Care Directive (Living Will)
Costs: $50 - $75
Willful
Founded in 2017, Willful became famous when they appeared on Dragon's Den and raised funding from Michele Romanow.
Willful allows unlimited edits forever. You have to pay and make an account before reading your will.
Availability: Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan.
Offers: Last Will and Testament, Power of Attorney
Costs: $99 - $189
LegalWills
Founded in 2000, LegalWills is almost as old as LegalDeeds.
LegalWills expanded to the USA and also offers expat wills in the UK.
Availability: All Canadian provinces except Quebec. USA. UK.
Offers: Last Will and Testament, Power of Attorney, Living Will
Costs: $39.95 - $129.95
Epilogue Wills
Epilogue Wills is a startup founded by two lawyers. They have a beautiful website but are on the more expensive side.
Availability: Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Ontario, PEI, and Saskatchewan.
Offers: Last Will and Testament, Power of Attorney
Costs: $139 - $199
LawDepot
LawDepot has hundreds of legal documents on their website. However, their wills don't cover all legal situations.
Availability: All Canadian provinces.
Offers: Last Will and Testament
Costs: $39 monthly subscription
FormalWill
FormalWill is an old service that primarily sells their services at Staples and Amazon.
Availability: All Canadian provinces.
Offers: Last Will and Testament, Power of Attorney, Living Will
Costs: $39-$249
Need a will for free?
If the cost of an online will is still too much you can handwrite a will for free in most provinces.
If you can afford $50 but are not sure if an online will is for you, LegalDeeds lets you read your will before paying. All it takes to read your will is a few minutes answering questions about your situation.